Rather than spend another night at the cinema, couples do have a number of romantic activities to experience in Wellington. 

While we can't claim they'll transform your relationship with a magical moment of romance, our list of '10 romantic things to in Wellington', can at very least offer a fun day or, night out.  The rest is down to you... 

1.  Hire A Bike

A great activity for couples is to hire an electric bike and get the see the city at your own pace.  Switched on Bikes operates from the Wellington Waterfront with options to either explore at your own pace or book a guided tour with a guide.  The tour takes you past Oriental Bay, the scenic coastline to Miramar Peninsula and up to Mount Victoria to enjoy the spectacular views of the harbour.  

Location: Shed One, Queens Wharf

2.  See A Show At The Circa Theatre

The Circa Theatre is located down on the waterfront and has for several decades been staging over 300 different performances from pantomime and musicals, to high drama, improv comedy and farce.  There are two performance spaces, with Circa One catering for high end productions and larger audiences.  Circa Two is the smaller studio for more intimate shows that really connect with the audience, who are only a matter of inches from the stage.

Location:  1 Taranaki Street

3.  Enjoy A Tipple At A Cocktail Bar

Wellington has a number of stylish cocktail bars for a romantic night out including the high-end Hippotamus Restaurant and Bar opposite Wellington Harbour.   On the third floor of the QT Hotel, enjoy a margarita at the bar with its stunning, ornate décor and harbour views. 

Another good choice is The Library which is tucked away in the centre of Courtenay Place.  Don’t let the outside appearance fool you, once inside the name gives the style of the decor away, creating an intimate, atmospheric bar. 

4.  Kayak Wellington Harbour At Night

Wellington Harbour is a dazzling sight to behold at night.  Starting at 5.30pm and ending at 9.30pm Ferg Kayaks offer a guide tour of the most picturesque bays and coves as the sun sets.  You may even have a wildlife encounter with marine visitors including dolphins, penguins and even the odd whale.  Paddling under the stars surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city creates some special memories.

Location: Shed 6, Queens Wharf

5.  Visit The Botanic Gardens

Starting with the cable car ride providing beautiful harbour views, the Botanic Gardens offers couples a tranquil stroll down through 25 hectares of beautiful gardens and interesting sculptures.  The Lady Norwood Rose Garden is the perfect place in Spring or Summer to stop for lunch with the café overlooking 25,000 tulips.

Location: Entrances at the top of Cable Car in Kelburn and 101 Glenmore Street, Thorndon

6.  Stroll Along Oriental Bay

Enjoy a simple stroll along Oriental Bay, the ‘Riveriera of Wellington’ with great restaurants close by.  The bay's Oriental Parade stretches from the central business district to Point Jerningham and is home to many of Wellington's most luxurious properties with a mix of old character houses and modern luxury apartments.

7.  Cruise To Matiu Somes Island

For lovers of nature, Matiu Somes Island is only a 20 minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf, on Wellington’s waterfront.  This tranquil island is something of a nature lover's paradise and a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.  Take a tranquil stroll along serene pathways and tracks, accompanied by the chatter of the red-crowned parakeets.

Matiu Somes has also been Maori pa site, animal and human quarantine station, prisoner-of-war camp and military defensive position.

Location:  Cruise from 1 Queens Wharf

8.  Under The Stars At Space Place

Located at the top of the Botanic Gardens and just across from the top of the cable car ride, experience the southern skies through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries and the digital, full-dome planetarium.  At the state of the art planetarium, experience spectacular images of the planets and the wonders of space travel and exploration.  Astronomers then give a presentation based on the night sky for the date of the visit.

Location: Top of Cable Car / Botanic Garden

9.  Zealandia

Zealandia is a 225 hectare sanctuary to some of the rarest wildlife in New Zealand.  The natural habitat also features some of the best walking tracks in the area with over 32 kilometres of trails.  You can either explore on your own or, book a guided tour.  Located 10-minutes from the city centre, Zealandia can be easily reached by car, free shuttle, or cable car.

Location: End of Waiapu Road, Karori.

10.  Wellington Zoo

Close to the city centre, Wellington Zoo offers a fun day out for couples and features a number of 'close encounters' for the chance to get close to many of the animals including lions, cheetahs and giraffes.

Location:   200 Daniell Street, Newtown

More Wellington Activities:

Check our Wellington Experiences to find out the best activities and take advantage of the best prices. 

Car Hire:

If you need to hire a car to explore Wellington, check our My Guide Car Rental Comparison Tool.